Leather clothing

[Dizerens5]

Well, believe it or not I have never owned a leather jacket since first riding in 1956 or 57. When I wanted one I couldn't afford it, now I could probably (just about) pay for one I'm not sure I want one, as Cordura etc jackets and pants are so much better than the PVC or waxed cotton stuff we used to have.
But can anyone tell me about this? I know that cowhide gear is pretty useless in the rain as it gets totally soggy and takes days of careful drying to be wearable again. So if touring you need to drag along a waterproof oversuit as well - as if you don't have enough to take already. But I've heard that horsehide is virtually waterproof, it seems when wet the pores in the leather close up while with cowhide they open out. Is this true? And if so, why is horsehide bike gear apparently unobtainable (at least on this side of the pond)?

[Lucky_Lou]

I dont know about Horsehide but i know someone who will ill email him and ask....ive just bought a Hein Gericke Jacket on ebay as i find the leathers a bit cold in winter never had a problem with the wet but i do regularly treat the leathers with a proof spray,
Lou

[GrimReaper]

I always use Dainese brand,which use kangaroo leather and never had a problem.But i've rode only in light rain.Can't say how it is going to be in a hard rai

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Interesting thought about cowhide and horsehide.  I've never heard that stated before.  Having said that, my experience with wet riding is that nothing, not even a waterproof rainsuit, is truly waterproof.  At best there are degrees of water resistance.  

I wear a Tour Master rain suit when necessary and it works pretty well.  I have both the denier nylon and leather riding clothing.  Leather works better in my opinion for it's safety and warmth qualitities, and while it does get wet on occasion I don't find it needs any special care when wet.

My internet search didn't turn up anything pertaining to horsehide specifically, but this is a fairly interesting article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_personal_protective_equipment

[Lucky_Lou]

Intresting article that...thanks Mike
Lou

[Ed Miller]

How much can you spend?  Aerostitch was advertising waterproof leather pants and jacket in the last catalog I got from them.  They were almost as expensive as Langletz, but L. aren't waterproof.

[Mike V]

Still trying to get this right after many years of riding. I have both leather and textile. I have found my textile (Santiago) uppers and lowers to be the most versatile for both protection and comfort. I just haven't found the holy grail for all-around protection, comfort and water resistance, that is. Easy when you can plan on a wet ride, and slip on the over-pants and interior liner. But when those downpours hit you unexpectedly, it's normally too late or no place to hide to stop and put on the proper gear. Last year entering the West limits of the hill country a dark cloud suddenly became a monsoon for 20 miles. Needless to say; "wet" is an understatement. But, the textiles dry quickly and retain shape where if I had my leathers on, it would have either ruined them or taken days to retain the subtleness we all love about leathers. I normally ride with textiles, carry my rain gear and take my chances.  I'm not aware of any leather that will stand-up to substantial considerable exposure to rain. My experience with that is; blue legs, arms and hands for the remainder of the trip and a very interesting resulting set of expensive leathers. "Squish".    

[Barry]

I wear a period leather jacket, boots and gloves all of which are top quality and almost as old as the bike. I would find it hard to part with them now. Leather is a fantastic material which given some care and repair can be made to last almost a lifetime.  I find leather ok for a short shower but try never to get it really wet.

Throw in an open face helmet though and I'm conscious of not being that well protected by modern standards. That's too bad because I'm not planning to change anything till they wear out or I wear out or more likely I fall off the bike which ever comes first.

[Mike V]

I've always admired and lusted over the good old Belstaff waxed cotton gear...anyone have experience or reports?

[Bengt_Phorqs]

I've always admired and lusted over the good old Belstaff waxed cotton gear...anyone have experience or reports?

Love the look of the Belstaff and it does repel water well.   Just need a second mortgage to buy a new one.  I don't have a Belstaff jacket but my primary winter coat is made by Outback Trading Company and is a waxed cotton or "oilskin" as they style it.  http://www.outbacktrading.com/2100_2009_detail.html
Bought it in Calgary Canada in the dead of winter and with a polar fleece jacket as a liner I have never been cold or wet.  I don't ride with it but have been tempted to try it.

[GrimReaper]

I wear a period leather jacket, boots and gloves all of which are top quality and almost as old as the bike. I would find it hard to part with them now. Leather is a fantastic material which given some care and repair can be made to last almost a lifetime.  I find leather ok for a short shower but try never to get it really wet.

Throw in an open face helmet though and I'm conscious of not being that well protected by modern standards. That's too bad because I'm not planning to change anything till they wear out or I wear out or more likely I fall off the bike which ever comes first.

  Always leather.I hit the ground 3 times and the leather saved me.The risk of going down in wet conditions are even greater so...my 2 cents-use leather

[Dizerens5]

Thanks all of you. I hardly dare to write this but to my annoyance the best jacket I have is a Chinese-made "Spada" which I bought for about £30 (around US $ 45) five years ago. It keeps me toasty warm when it's zipped up tight and as for rain, I was riding back from Switzerland, it started raining at Chalons and continued tipping down without a break until Calais, that's just over 200 miles. And I was totally dry on arriving. The reason: unlike every other jacket I've owned, the Spada is made for people with normal arms and neck, not built like a gorilla. In other words, wrists and neck fasten close up and neither wind nor rain get in. The downside: the outer pockets are not at all waterproof. And above all, in summer you really have to take the quilted lining out and then you realise that the outer, though wind and water proof, is very light and tissue-like, in a crash its protection would be about zero....can't win em all.

[lee_harvey]

i always wear the cordura instead of leather. every jacket i have also has the foam "armor" inside. that "armor" has saved my ass a few times. been through a huge rain storm and stayed dry, only had to pull to the side because it rained so hard i couldnt see the road anymore. but, like most TX weather, it lasted about 15-20 min and i was back on the road.